Depression
Coping with Depression
Signs & Symptoms of Depression?
Ongoing sadness, anxiousness or empty feelings
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Feeling irritable or restless
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable
Feeling tired all the time
Not able to go to sleep or stay asleep (insomnia); may wake in the middle of the night, or sleep all the time
Overeating or loss of appetite
Thoughts of suicide or making suicide attempts
Ongoing physical aches and pains
(NCHS 2020)
So What Can You Do?
Make a therapy appointment to identify he factors that contribute to your depression
Develop coping skills that work for you to address psychological, behavioral, interpersonal symptoms
Explore medications with a licensed professional
Have you heard of SAD?
Season Affective Disorder, the winter blues, or a generally low mood during the fall-winter months is common amongst those that live in the Northeast!
Symptoms are similar to those of depression but there are things you can do to minimize the effects:
- Exercise: increase aerobic exercises
- Nutrition: make sure you have a healthy intake of complex carbohydrates (rice, pasta, etc.) and healthy sugars (fruit) to boost your energy
- Sleep: create a healthy sleep schedule
- Speak with a therapist if your symptoms become severe and/or unmanageable